ECB hand Arif a lifetime ban for fixing

England

Former Sussex all-rounder Naveed Arif has been handed a life ban by the ECB after admitting to six charges of match-fixing, relating to a match between Sussex and Kent in 2011.

Former Sussex all-rounder Naveed Arif has been handed a life ban by the ECB after admitting to six charges of match-fixing, relating to a match between Sussex and Kent in 2011.

Arif and former New Zealand batsman Lou Vincent were both implicated in that fixed match, and Vincent has already been charged with 14 counts by the ECB.

The ECB said: "Mr Arif pleaded guilty to six breaches of the Code, all of which related to corrupt activity in connection with the CB40 fixture between Sussex and Kent at Hove in August 2011.

"His admissions were made in tape-recorded interviews with the ECB's anti-corruption unit and via signed statements. In accordance with the provisions of the ECB Anti-Corruption Code, Mr Arif has accepted an agreed sanction of a life ban from all forms of cricket.

"The terms of the ban will prevent him from playing, coaching or participating in any form of cricket which is recognised or sanctioned by ECB, the ICC or any other National Cricket Federation."

ECB Chief Executive David Collier said: "Today's announcement sends out a very clear message that ECB has a zero-tolerance approach to corruption in cricket and that it will root out and punish those who pose a threat to the game's integrity.

"We thank the anti-corruption team for their work in bringing this case and trust that it will serve as a stark reminder to all players of the dangers that corrupt activities pose to their careers and livelihoods."

Arif last played a competitive match in December 2012, and last appeared for Sussex earlier that year. Since the revelations, the Pakistan Cricket Board have denied any links to the player, who was born there and ended his playing days with the Sialkot Stallions.

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